Cornish Rex
The Cornish Rex is a distinctive breed known for its soft, wavy coat that feels like crushed velvet. Originating from a natural mutation in Cornwall, England in 1950, this elegant, slender cat is highly athletic, acrobatic, and affectionate. Often called the 'Greyhound of cats' for their arched bodies and tucked waists, they are perpetual kittens at heart. With their striking silhouette, enormous ears, and mischievous personalities, Cornish Rex are truly one-of-a-kind companions. They combine the athleticism of a feline acrobat with the devotion of a lap cat, seamlessly transitioning from impressive aerial leaps to extended cuddle sessions. Their minimal shedding and easy-care coat make them practical companions, while their clownish antics and intelligence provide endless entertainment. They are ideal for active households that can match their energy and provide the warmth and companionship they crave.
Key Stats
Weight
5-10 lbs
Height
8-12"
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Energy
5/5
Is This Breed Right For You?
Origin & History
The Cornish Rex breed began with a single remarkable kitten named Kallibunker, born on July 21, 1950, on Ennismore Farm near Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, England. Among a litter of otherwise normal barn cats, Kallibunker stood out with his tightly curled coat, slender body, and large bat-like ears. His owner, Nina Ennismore, recognized this unique trait as something special and consulted with geneticist A.C. Jude, who confirmed it was a natural recessive mutation.
Ennismore worked to establish the breed by backcrossing Kallibunker to his mother, Serena, producing additional curly-coated kittens. The early breeding program was challenging, with a limited gene pool requiring careful management. Outcrossing to Siamese, British Shorthairs, and Burmese helped establish much-needed genetic diversity while maintaining the distinctive coat mutation. These outcrosses also influenced the breed's eventual body type and personality traits.
The breed was imported to America in 1957 by Fran Blancheri, who brought a pregnant Cornish Rex named LaMorna Cove to the United States. American breeders continued developing the breed with great enthusiasm, refining the body type to its current elegant, Greyhound-like appearance through selective breeding that emphasized the arched back, tucked waist, and long, fine-boned legs. The American breeding program produced a more refined cat than early British examples, establishing the distinctive silhouette recognized today. The Cornish Rex quickly gained admirers for both its unique appearance and its charming, playful personality. The CFA granted the Cornish Rex championship recognition in 1964, with TICA following suit. The name 'Rex' was borrowed from a similar curly-coated mutation seen in Rex rabbits, which were already well-known in the show world. The term was suggested by geneticist A.C. Jude, who saw parallels between the cat and rabbit mutations. Today, the Cornish Rex is celebrated worldwide for its unique appearance, acrobatic abilities, and exuberant, clownish personality that has earned it devoted fans across the globe.
Traits & Characteristics
Individual cats may vary from breed-typical traits
Family & Social
Personality
Cattitude
Adaptability
Health & Wellness
Key health information for Cornish Rex owners
Health Screening
- Hip & Elbow Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Eye Certification
Exercise Needs
- 30+ minutes daily
- Mental stimulation important
- High energy breed
Watch For
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)
- Luxating Patella
- Skin Allergies (Atopic Dermatitis)
Care Guide
Everything you need to know about caring for a Cornish Rex
Grooming
weekly
Exercise
30+ min/day
Training
Very Easy
Health
Generally Good
Training Your Cornish Rex
Training Approach
Use positive reinforcement with treats, praise, and play as rewards. Keep training sessions short and engaging. They respond well to clicker training and enjoy the mental stimulation that training provides.
Training Tips
- Teach tricks - they love to perform
- Use puzzle feeders for mental stimulation
- Harness training is recommended
- Play fetch - many learn naturally
- Train them to come when called
Common Challenges
- May become bored with repetitive training
- High energy may cause distractions
- Can be mischievous if not mentally stimulated
Is a Cornish Rex Right For You?
Great Match If...
- You have children or a family
- You want an easy-to-train cat
- You're active and outdoorsy
- You want a loyal companion
Think Twice If...
- You want a low-energy cat
- You're away from home often
Frequently Asked Questions
Cornish Rex are often marketed as hypoallergenic, but this is a common misconception that deserves careful clarification. While they shed significantly less than most cats due to their unusual coat that lacks guard hairs and awn hairs, consisting only of soft, wavy down hair, they still produce the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva, skin oils, and urine that causes allergic reactions in approximately 10 percent of the human population.
Some allergy sufferers do report experiencing fewer symptoms with Cornish Rex compared to other breeds, and there is a logical explanation for this. Their minimal shedding means fewer allergen-coated hairs are deposited on furniture, clothing, and bedding, potentially reducing overall allergen levels in the home. Their thin coat may also trap fewer allergens than denser, longer coats found on other breeds.
However, direct contact with the cat, including petting, being licked, or sharing sleeping spaces, can still trigger significant allergic reactions regardless of coat type. Spending extended time, ideally several visits of several hours each, with a Cornish Rex before making an adoption decision is strongly recommended for anyone with cat allergies. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic, and individual cats within the same breed can produce varying levels of the Fel d 1 allergen.